Thousands of private school teachers have undergone Covid-19 tests ahead of pupils returning to classrooms on Sunday.
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) is paying for all tests, a total of more than 15,000 teachers and staff, promising that all 205 private schools in the emirate will be tested before pupils return to the classroom.
Annahita Pagdiwalla, principal of the capital's Mayoor Private School, in Al Wathba, said 200 of her staff underwent the PCR nasal swab.
“It will be up to Adek and the Department of Health to decide how frequent the tests are,” she added.
Tests are very important because it gives us a sense of satisfaction that we will be ready for pupils returning on Sunday
In the capital, primary-age pupils will be back in class from Sunday, with over-12s back in high schools in four weeks' time. Parents have the option to keep their children at home studying via e-learning if they do not feel comfortable sending them back yet.
Ms Pagdiwalla hopes parents feel reassured with the measures being taken.
“The tests are very important because it gives us a sense of satisfaction that we will be ready for pupils returning on Sunday," she said.
“We have done everything we can to be compliant with the rules about reopening classrooms.”
Schools have remained closed to pupils since March and strict restrictions will be in place when pupils return, including the wearing of masks at all times.
Brendan Fulton, executive principal at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, said 1,300 members of staff at the group that owns his school, Taaleem Education, underwent tests this week.
“This had been planned for since last week, and prior to the announcement by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) that all staff now need to be tested before students can return to school,” said Mr Fulton.
“The response from our parent community has been very positive, as they appreciate the lengths to which we are going to ensure that the school is as safe a space as possible when the children return on Sunday.”
Staff at Gems Education, the country's largest private school operator, is screening thousands of teachers and staff.
“The safety of our students and our school community is at the forefront of every decision that we make,” said Gems Wellington Primary School, Dubai, principal Sarah O’Reagan.
“All Gems Education school staff will be Covid-19 PCR tested prior to the first day of school.
“This further layer of safety gives our parents and school community reassurance that it is safe for children to return to school.”
Thermal screenings at entrances, face masks and physical distancing will be mandatory measures when students return.
How children will return to school varies from emirate to emirate, as does testing for pupils.
In Sharjah, pupils of all ages are to be tested over the next two weeks. Pupils will not be physically back in class until mid-September while this is carried out, with e-learning in place until then.
In Abu Dhabi, primary school pupils are back from Sunday and are not required to be tested. High school pupils will not return until late September or early October, and they are required to get tested if over 12.
In Dubai, pupils are not required to be tested, the authorities said this week.
Parents can still opt to keep their children at home to take online lessons in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with many concerned about the risks involved in returning to classrooms.
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The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
